You just have to feel bad for Jonathon Brooks at this point.
The running back had high expectations for his NFL career as he was the top running back prospect in 2024. Unfortunately, injuries ruined the first two seasons of Brooks’ career with the Panthers.
Now, injuries are going to take out a big part of his third season as well. The Panthers are reportedly placing Brooks on injured reserve as he has to have surgery on his core.
The running back has to miss at least six weeks, but there’s hope he can return for the stretch run later this season. In a corresponding move, the team has signed defensive back Isaiah Simmons to the active roster.
Simmons had already been elevated twice, so the team was going to have to sign him soon anyways.
Interestingly, the Panthers also brought in a familiar name for a workout.
Panthers Bring Austin Ekeler In
According to reports, the Panthers brought in veteran running back Austin Ekeler for a workout.
Ekeler last played in two games for the Washington Commanders in 2025. The running back’s season was cut short due to injury, but he’s reportedly healthy and ready to go now.
While the running back was unable to impress in 2025, he was a serviceable offensive piece as recently as 2024. That season, Ekeler ended with 367 rushing yards and four rushing scores, while catching 35 passes for 366 yards.
Ekeler’s best seasons came with the Chargers in 2021 and 2022. The running back had 900+ rushing yards and 12+ rushing touchdowns in both seasons, and also had more than 600 receiving yards in both campaigns.
It’s interesting to see if a deal gets worked out. Assuming he is healthy, Ekeler would be a nice offensive piece because he helps out as a receiver as well. The veteran could be a nice change-of-pace back behind Chuba Hubbard.
Brooks is at a Crossroads
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
It’s really unfortunate that Brooks is dealing with another injury. The running back only played in three games in the first two seasons of his career, and he only played in two games this year.
Now, the clock has to be ticking for Brooks. He’ll likely head into his fourth NFL season having played in fewer than 10 games in his career. The Panthers have to be frustrated, so let’s just hope that Brooks can make an impact over the final stretch.
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